John Lee Hooker and the Allman Brothers, Blind Boys of Alabama, and Rev. Jumpin' Jim Jericho. Older brother Greg's recordings of Solomon Burke, Joe Tex, Bobby Blue Bland and Sam Cooke added to the blend.
Years ago I had the privilege of singing one night with Brownie McGhee (story on my website) and he told me "Son 'fo a white boy, you sho' 'nuff have a suntan on the inside". Several years back after my 7th cd, Mitch Lopate introduced me to Johnny Sandlin, legendary Capricorn Records producer, who brought me down to Decatur Alabama to record 'No Easy Way Out' with the Muscle Shoals musicians...David Hood, Spooner Oldham, Scott Boyer, Kelvin Holly, Bill Stewart, Bonnie Bramlett, Kevin McKendree, James Pennebaker, The Muscle Shoals Horns and rounding it out with Carla Russell and Tina Swindell. It was a thrilling experience and a highlight in my career. It is especially sweet as I have been given a new lease on life and my music reflects the conflict/resolution of live liven hard and fast and been given another chance to make something of it.
Life is precious and we need to make the best of what we have left of it!